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AG: No criminal wrongdoing in Dezirae Sheldon investigation

2-year-old died in February

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Updated: 1:16 PM EDT Jun 12, 2014

The Vermont Attorney General’s Office has wrapped up its investigation into Dezirae Sheldon’s abuse case, saying it found no evidence of criminal misconduct by state or local employees involved in the case.

AG: No criminal wrongdoing in Dezirae Sheldon investigation

2-year-old died in February

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Updated: 1:16 PM EDT Jun 12, 2014

MONTPELIER, Vt. —

The Vermont Attorney General’s Office has wrapped up its investigation into Dezirae Sheldon’s abuse case, saying it found no evidence of criminal misconduct by state or local employees involved in the case.

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The office reviewed the Vermont State Police investigation in the abuse or neglect of Sheldon. In February 2013, the Poultney toddler was found with two broken legs of unexplained origin. Sheldon died the following February. Her stepfather, Dennis Duby, has been charged with her murder and has pleaded not guilty.

The case sparked public criticism of the Department for Children and Families because Dezirae had been in DCF custody but was allowed to go back home four months before her death.

“It wasn't good, but it wasn't criminal conduct. That's a big difference,” Attorney General Bill Sorrell told WPTZ on Wednesday. “Mistakes were made. Information that should have been shared more generally within DCF should have been shared.”

Sorrell said he is preparing specific proposals for the Senate Committee on Child Protection. The proposals will include amendments to strengthen the state’s child cruelty laws.

“Hopefully this death will not be for naught and that there will be changes within DCF and in our law,” he said.

In a statement, Leo Porter of the group Justice for Dezirae said, “We are appalled and saddened that the Attorney General does not clearly see that DCF was derelict in their duty. We stand by our demand that Douglas Racine and Dave Yacovone should resign or be terminated. Vermont has continued to fail children even after death.”

The Committee on Child Protection is expected to meet this summer about proposed changes at DCF after hearing from the public at nine hearings.